Chelation Therapy in the Treatment of Metal Intoxication presents a practical guide to the use of chelation therapy, from its basic chemistry, to available chelating antidotes, and the application of chelating agents. Several metals have long been known to be toxic to humans, and continue to pose great difficulty to treat. These challenges pose particular problems in industrial settings, with lead smelting known to be associated with hemopoietic alterations and paralyses, and the inhalation of mercury vapor in mercury mining being extremely detrimental to the central nervous system. Clinical experience has demonstrated that acute and chronic human intoxications with a range of metals can be treated efficiently by administration of chelating agents. Chelation Therapy in the Treatment of Metal Intoxication describes the chemical and biological principles of chelation in the treatment of these toxic metal compounds, including new chelators such as meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and D,L-2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid (DMPS). Presents all the current findings on the potential for chelation as a therapy for metal intoxication Presents practical guidelines for selecting the most appropriate chelating agent Includes coverage on radionuclide exposure and metal storage diseases Describes the chemical and biological principles of chelation in the treatment of toxic metal compounds

This is an easy-to-read manual about chelation therapy. It contains specific protocols for the treatment of chronic metal overexposure, all of which are evidence-based, aiding the inexperienced and the experienced therapist in selecting the optimal chelating agent for the metal(s) in question. Expert chemists and chelation therapists have contributed invaluable knowledge and experience to this book. Most importantly, this is not a book promoting personal views or preferences. In fact, the information presents and explains different approaches, and allows the reader to draw his own conclusion. All the protocols listed have been modified for the treatment of chronic metal intoxication, included are oral and intravenous treatment plans. The authors explain in simple terms how a chelating agent ́s bioavailability affects metal binding and how various protocols such as the Cutler Protocol affect the detoxification process, why DMPS binds mercury and which chelators are useful for the detoxification of certain organ system. Also discussed is the importance and effect of treatment pauses. Diagnostic tests are discussed, and which are useful under certain conditions. Shown are tables comparing the average metal binding ability of the various EDTAs, DMPS, DMSA and other chelating agents. Detailed information explains which chelator binds which metal and why, all of which aids the therapist in finding optimal treatment schedules. Novel chelating agents are presented such as MIADMSA, a new oral chelator specifically designed for arsenic intoxication, or how natural Pectin may be used an alternative for gadolinium intoxication, which metals are bound by lipoic acid and why a slightly alkaline environment supports metal binding, even preventing the often-feared metal redistribution. All in all, this evidence-based chelation "cookbook" should be in medical libraries and on the bookshelf of every physician treating environmental disease.

Metal chelators are emerging as versatile tool with many medical applications. Their versatility allows them to be used in chelation therapy for treating diseases caused by toxic and heavy metal poisoning, chelating agents are capable of binding to toxic metal ions to form complex structures which are easily excreted from the body removing them from intracellular or extracellular spaces. In addition, metal chelators can also be applied as contrast agents in MRI scanning. Metal Chelation in Medicine provides a clear and timely perspective on the role of chelating agents in the management of metal intoxications and storage diseases. Written by leaders in the field of chelators, this publication is at the cutting-edge of the subject. It covers a broad range of topics such as the use of metal chelators in non-invasive assessment of brain iron overload, and the treatment of systemic iron overload and neurodegenerative diseases. As such it is particularly valuable to clinicians treating metal poisonings and metal storage diseases. However, it is also a useful text for researchers, industry professionals and university students with a specific interest in medicinal chemistry, chelation, metal ions, imaging and non-invasive techniques.

Within the last few years, iron research has yielded exciting new insights into the under standing of normal iron homeostasis. However, normal iron physiology offers little protec tion from the toxic effects of pathological iron accumulation, because nature did not equip us with effective mechanisms of iron excretion. Excess iron may be effectively removed by phlebotomy in hereditary hemochromatosis, but this method cannot be applied to chronic anemias associated with iron overload. In these diseases, iron chelating therapy is the only method available for preventing early death caused mainly by myocardial and hepatic iron toxicity. Iron chelating therapy has changed the quality of life and life expectancy of thalassemic patients. However, the high cost and rigorous requirements of deferoxamine therapy, and the significant toxicity of deferiprone underline the need for the continued development of new and improved orally effective iron chelators. Such development, and the evolution of improved strategies of iron chelating therapy require better understanding of the pathophysiology of iron toxicity and the mechanism of action of iron chelating drugs. The timeliness of the present volume is underlined by several significant develop ments in recent years. New insights have been gained into the molecular basis of aberrant iron handling in hereditary disorders and the pathophysiology of iron overload (Chapters 1-5).

Written by the foremost authority in the field, this volume is a comprehensive review of the multifaceted phenomenon of hepatotoxicity. Dr. Zimmerman examines the interface between chemicals and the liver; the latest research in experimental hepatotoxicology; the hepatotoxic risks of household, industrial, and environmental chemicals; and the adverse effects of drugs on the liver. This thoroughly revised, updated Second Edition features a greatly expanded section on the wide variety of drugs that can cause liver injury. For quick reference, an appendix lists these medications and their associated hepatic injuries. Also included are in-depth discussions of drug metabolism and factors affecting susceptibility to liver injury.

Many of my colleagues asked me to bring the latest and now greatest news about chelation to the public as well as to the medical community at large. I interviewed a number of doctors who provide chelation treatment and asked them to describe their approach as well as their clinical results. Voila - this book - a compendium of chelation protocols, products, and spectacular cases.